Brief aan Jan Veth 1878 - 1925

This is a letter, “Brief aan Jan Veth,” made by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst, sometime around 1921. What strikes me is the uninhibited flow of handwriting, like a quick sketch of the artist's thoughts as they come into being. It’s all about the process, isn’t it? The marks are dense and purposeful, with a controlled freedom. It’s fascinating how the texture of the paper interacts with the ink, creating a subtle depth that makes you want to reach out and touch it. Look closely, and you’ll see the pressure and rhythm of each stroke, reflecting the artist's state of mind, like a kind of emotional seismograph. The way the words and lines seem to dance across the page reminds me of Cy Twombly’s scribbled paintings, where the act of writing becomes a form of drawing. Holst’s letter is a reminder that art is not just about the finished product, but the journey, the conversation, and the exchange of ideas that happens along the way.